Farmers periodically encounter the fact that chickens lay eggs without shells. If the testicles are covered with a dense film, this indicates problems that can be caused by poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency and violations in the keeping of birds. In addition, such a reaction often indicates the development of the disease. The farmer’s task at this stage is to determine why the chickens began laying eggs without shells and to quickly eliminate the source of the problem.
Causes of problems in chickens
If laying hens bring eggs without shells, such a reaction can be provoked by various disturbances - both negative external factors and internal problems. To identify the cause of the pathology, you need to think about what mistakes might have been made and observe the birds.
Nutritional and maintenance disorders
The most common reason why chickens began to produce eggs in film is an incorrect diet, leading to calcium deficiency. This substance is the main component involved in the formation of the shell. If food contains insufficient amounts of microelements and vitamins, the body begins to consume its own resources, which leads to softening of the bones and thinning of the shell.
The problem can be detected by external inspection - you need to feel the ribs and keel of the bird. If the bones sag, this indicates a lack of calcium.
The second possible reason for soft eggs is poor living conditions: living in cramped cages, lack of lighting in the chicken coop, dirt in the room. In order for birds to be healthy and lay eggs well, they need to be provided with the proper conditions.
A lack of vitamin D, the main source of which is ultraviolet rays, is harmful for chickens.
Lack of walking
If a chicken lays an egg without a shell, this may be due to the fact that the birds spend days in a chicken coop or are kept in cages, which negatively affects their health and leads to physical impairment. In order for laying hens to be healthy, they must be allowed to roam daily. It is advisable that birds walk at least 3-5 hours a day. Proper physical activity will have a positive effect on the functioning of internal organs and systems. In addition, the birds will be able to obtain pasture.
Laying hen diseases
Often the problem is caused by the development of diseases, such as:
- infectious bronchitis;
- Newcastle disease;
- syndrome of decreased egg production.
Such disorders are accompanied by characteristic symptoms, so they are not difficult to identify. Birds become lethargic, refuse to eat, and breathing becomes hoarse and labored. In some cases, thinning of plumage may occur. Infectious diseases are considered the most dangerous, since they can affect the entire herd and are difficult to treat.
Genetic failure
There are cases where apparently healthy birds with a strong skeleton and straight legs laid eggs in film. This happens when there are pathologies in the reproductive system.
It is worth considering that it is almost impossible to correct such a violation, but, in any case, it is recommended to show the bird to a veterinarian.
Hormonal imbalance and age
The process of egg formation, including the shell, is controlled by the nervous system and regulated by hormones. A hormonal imbalance not only causes soft shells, but also leads to a reduction in the time for eggs to mature. As a result, the testicle does not have time to form completely.
Such disorders are caused by prolonged stress, poor diet and age-related changes. It is worth considering that chickens lay eggs best in the first 2-3 years, after which egg production decreases. Old individuals often produce eggs without shells.
Stress
Poor health or psychological discomfort affects the condition and functioning of internal organs and systems. Stress can be caused by a short day, lack of lighting in the coop, unfavorable weather conditions, and improper maintenance.
Diagnostic methods
It is quite difficult to independently determine what causes the absence of shells on eggs. The only way to determine the source of the problem is to observe the hen and think about what mistakes might have been made. Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis.
How to cure a chicken?
If chickens start laying eggs in film, you need to act immediately. How to correct the situation depends on what caused such a reaction.
Nutrition correction
To compensate for the lack of vitamins and microelements, it is necessary to review your diet. The best option is to make mash yourself and combine it with mixed feed. The diet of chickens should include:
- grain (millet, barley, rye, millet);
- peas and beans;
- carrots, beets, cucumbers, zucchini;
- green onions, nettles, dandelions.
Birds are given bone meal, crushed shell rock, and chalk as minerals. During molting, fortified supplements can be used, since birds spend a lot of resources changing feathers.
Treatment of infections
If a bird begins to lay soft eggs due to an infection, you cannot do without the help of a veterinarian. To prescribe the appropriate drug and determine the dosage, it is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis. In advanced cases, doctors often advise destroying sick individuals in order to prevent infection of healthy birds and save the population.
Revision of containment conditions
In order for birds to be healthy, they need to create suitable living conditions. The chicken coop must be insulated. The floor is covered with a bedding of straw, sawdust and peat. It must be turned over daily to prevent droppings from accumulating on top. The room must be illuminated, the minimum duration of daylight is 13 hours.In this case, the chicken coop must have at least one window through which ultraviolet rays will pass.
A walking area is being set up next to the barn. In good weather, it is recommended to let the birds go for a walk every day. As for the winter months, chickens can only walk at temperatures above +7 degrees.
Prevention of the problem
To minimize the risk of illness in chickens, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- give birds only suitable and fresh food;
- keep the chicken coop clean;
- treat the premises with disinfectants every 2 months;
- containers with food must be closed, otherwise infections spread by rodents may get into the food.
To prevent infectious diseases, young animals need to be vaccinated on time.
